Isopropyl Myristate | Light Multi functional Moisturizing Ester and Solvent

Isopropyl Myristate | Light Multi functional Moisturizing Ester and Solvent（CAS 110-27-0）

• Isopropyl Myristate (IPM) is the most widely used synthetic ester in cosmetics and personal care - the industry standard lightweight emollient for over 60 years. Produced by esterification of myristic acid (C14 fatty acid) with isopropyl alcohol, it is a saturated ester with exceptional stability and versatility.

• What makes IPM revolutionary is its unique combination of properties: extremely low viscosity, rapid absorption, excellent spreadability, and complete absence of greasy residue. It is the benchmark "dry feel" emollient that transforms heavy, oily formulations into lightweight, silky products that absorb in seconds.

• IPM serves multiple critical functions: it acts as a premium emollient that softens and smooths skin, a powerful penetration enhancer that increases active ingredient delivery by up to 40%, an excellent solvent for pigments, fragrances, and UV filters, and a sensory modifier that eliminates greasiness from vegetable oils and butters. Its ultra-low viscosity (5-7 mPa·s) makes it the lightest cosmetic ester available.

  

  Key Benefits 

  ✅ Ultra-Lightweight - Lowest viscosity cosmetic ester (5-7 mPa·s); feather-light feel
  ✅ Rapid Absorption - Absorbs in seconds; zero greasy residue, "dry touch" finish
  ✅ Excellent Spreadability - Unmatched slip and glide; perfect for massage
  ✅ Penetration Enhancer - Increases active ingredient delivery by up to 40%
  ✅ Powerful Solvent - Dissolves pigments, fragrances, UV filters, actives
  ✅ Sensory Modifier - Reduces greasiness of heavy oils and butters
  ✅ Exceptional Stability - Saturated ester; never oxidizes, never goes rancid
  ✅ Colorless & Odorless - Perfect base; won't affect product color or scent
  ✅ Pharmaceutical Grade - USP/EP/BP/JP certified; highest purity standards
  ✅ Cost-Effective - Most economical high-performance synthetic ester
  ✅ Globally Approved - No regulatory restrictions; unlimited use worldwide
  ✅ Versatile - Works in every cosmetic category from skincare to makeup

  Applications

• Skincare (Primary):
  • Moisturizers and lotions: 3-10% - primary lightweight emollient
  • Facial creams and serums: 2-8% - enhances absorption, reduces greasiness
  • Body oils and butters: 5-20% - improves spreadability, lightens texture
  • Cleansing oils and balms: 10-20% - makeup dissolving power

• Sun Care & Makeup:
  • Sunscreens: 5-15% - solubilizes UV filters, improves spreadability
  • Foundations and BB creams: 3-10% - pigment dispersion, smooth application
  • Lipsticks and lip glosses: 5-15% - pigment solvent, emollient
  • Mascaras and eyeliners: 2-8% - pigment binder, smooth glide
  • Makeup removers: 10-30% - excellent makeup dissolving solvent

• Hair, Body & Massage:
  • Hair oils and serums: 2-5% - adds shine without weighing hair down
  • Massage oils: 10-30% - perfect slip, non-greasy finish
  • Baby oils and lotions: 5-15% - gentle, lightweight emollient
  • Deodorants and antiperspirants: 2-5% - skin conditioning

• Pharmaceutical:
  • Topical creams and ointments: 5-20% - drug delivery vehicle
  • Transdermal patches: penetration enhancer for API delivery

• Typical Usage by Product Type:
  • Daily moisturizer: 3-8% IPM
  • Massage oil: 15-25% IPM
  • Sunscreen: 8-12% IPM
  • Makeup remover: 15-25% IPM
  • Lipstick: 8-15% IPM

• Important: For facial products, limit to ≤10% to minimize comedogenic potential.

Certificate of Analysis (COA) 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request

Q1: Why is IPM the most widely used synthetic ester in cosmetics?
A: It has the PERFECT balance of properties that no other ester matches:

• Ultra-low viscosity (lightest cosmetic ester)

• Rapid absorption with zero greasy residue

• Excellent solvent for pigments, actives, UV filters

• Penetration enhancement for active ingredients

• Exceptional stability (saturated ester - never oxidizes)

• Colorless, odorless, and extremely cost-effective
This is why it is in literally thousands of formulations worldwide.

Q2: Is IPM comedogenic? What is safe usage level?
A: IPM has a comedogenicity rating of 3-5 (moderate). This is primarily an issue ONLY at very high concentrations (>15%) on acne-prone facial skin. For body products, hair care, and makeup, it is completely safe at any level. For facial skincare: limit to ≤10% - this level is non-irritating and well-tolerated by 99% of users.

Q3: What is the difference between IPM and other esters like IPP?
A: IPM (C14) vs IPP (Isopropyl Palmitate, C16):

• IPM: Lighter, faster absorbing, less comedogenic, better solvent

• IPP: Slightly heavier, more emollient, slightly higher comedogenicity
IPM is the preferred choice for most formulations due to its superior sensory profile and versatility. IPM is also more stable and has a longer shelf life.

Q4: How does IPM work as a penetration enhancer?
A: IPM temporarily fluidizes the stratum corneum lipid bilayer, increasing skin permeability. Studies show it can increase transdermal delivery of active ingredients by 30-40%. This makes it invaluable in serums, anti-aging products, and pharmaceutical topicals where active delivery is critical.

Q5: Is IPM natural or synthetic?
A: IPM is a synthetic ester, but it is made from NATURAL raw materials: myristic acid (from coconut/palm kernel oil) + isopropyl alcohol. It is nature-identical in function and completely biodegradable. It is approved for natural and organic formulations in most certification standards.

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